When you get injured at work, understanding how your workers’ compensation works can help ease some stress during recovery. In California, workers’ compensation covers several types of benefits.
Temporary disability benefits
Temporary disability benefits apply when you can’t work temporarily due to your injury. You receive two-thirds of your average weekly earnings.
California sets both minimum and maximum amounts for these benefits, updating them annually. The benefits continue until you can return to work or your condition stabilizes, up to a maximum of 104 weeks within a five-year period from the date of injury.
Permanent disability benefits
If your injury leads to a permanent disability, you receive permanent disability benefits. The payment amount depends on your disability rating, which reflects the extent of your permanent disability. Your wages before the injury, age, and occupation also play significant roles in determining the benefit amount. California uses a schedule to determine the weekly rate and duration of permanent disability payments based on your disability rating.
Calculating average weekly earnings
To calculate benefits, start by determining your average weekly earnings. This figure typically includes your earnings before the injury, such as regular wages, overtime, bonuses, and the value of any other benefits you receive. For employees with irregular earnings, use a representative period to determine an average.
Understanding the goal of workers’ compensation
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can seem complex, but understanding how benefits are calculated helps you know what to expect. Workers’ compensation aims to support you through recovery and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injury.
